401(k) Match Calculator
Your employer match is a 100% guaranteed return on your contribution — the best deal in personal finance. Most people leave thousands on the table every year without realizing it.
Are you leaving free money on the table?
Your employer match is a 100% return. Skipping it is the most expensive mistake in personal finance.
Free money you're leaving behind, every year
$1,600
Contribute at least 8% and you grab the full match — $3,200/yr (4% of your pay) in employer money you're currently turning down.
How this works
The calculator models a match rate (employer dollars per dollar you contribute) and a separate cap (matched only up to X% of your pay). Most calculators incorrectly collapse these into one number.
Example: a 50% match up to 8% of pay means your employer contributes $0.50 for every $1 you put in, but only on your first 8% of salary. To capture the full match you must contribute at least 8% — contributing less leaves real money behind.
// Illustrative only. Not financial advice. Consult a qualified advisor for your situation.